Whilst I was away on holiday in Greece, I had a bit of a disappointment.

Nothing to do with the holiday itself. And actually, it was good that it came about whilst I was on holiday, since even the worst disappointments are much softened by sunshine, sea, swimming and general holiday loveliness. But still, disappointed I was.

I got turned down for a stall at a craft fair that I did very well at last Christmas. I had thought I would definitely get a place. It made me feel temporarily a bit rubbish, like I am going backwards rather than moving forward towards any kind of definition of success.

However, one thing it did do was focus my mind on that certain busy time of year whose name shall preferably not be mentioned prior to October (well ok, grudgingly, September.)

And recent events mean that I do need to be focused and make the most of my time.

I’ve since been offered a late place at the craft fair as a vacancy has arisen. So I might be second best, but hey, at least I’m in. And it does mean even more reason to be organised. Because as well as having fairs, and Etsy, and shops to make for… we are adopting a dog!

We visited the rescue centre last weekend and met The One. I haven’t yet managed to take a decent photo of her (sorry!) but she is 8 months old, a cross-breed, pretty and a bit feisty and up until now unloved and completely untrained. Lad is in love. His dad is a bit more circumspect. But we only just collected her yesterday and it is all a bit of a whirlwind of running, pooping, stroking, drooling, hairy loveliness.

We have called her Lupin.

All of which means that quite a lot of my time will be taken up with scooping poop, mopping pee, walkies and training, not to mention keeping Lupin out of mischief whilst helping her to settle in. Not exactly optimum conditions for getting going on the sewing front in time for… that time of year.

But hey, I made a start. And got sorted out a fairy / angel prototype.

These little angels will be available made to order from my Etsy shop shortly, should anyone wish to upgrade the guardian of their festive tree-top.

I decided she had better wear knickers, since no girl should have to sit exposed atop a tree with all and sundry looking up her skirt for the duration of the festivities.

So it’s knickers for angels and hello to doggies –

And I was thinking knickers to craft fair organisers, but now I’ll just keep that one to myself. ♥